Mechandising system and method of use

ABSTRACT

A merchandising system for a displaying a plurality of products is disclosed. The system includes a base and a proximal member. The base includes a product-supporting surface which defines a longitudinal axis. The proximal member is disposed in mechanical cooperation with a proximal portion of the base. The proximal member includes an arcuate portion extending between a first lateral side and a second lateral side of the proximal member. The proximal member includes a scalloped portion extending from an upper portion of the proximal member toward a lower portion of the proximal member.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a merchandising system fordisplaying products on a shelf. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to a merchandising system and method for storingand/or displaying products to provide for the space-efficientpresentation of groups of products within a given or fixed display area,and/or allowing for convenient and orderly presentation, dispensing,stocking, and storage of products.

Various types of product merchandisers are commonly used in retailenvironments to display different types of products. As opposed tosimply positioning products on shelves, product displays are commonlyused to position products on a shelf in manner which automaticallyadvances (e.g., via gravity or a pusher) a trailing or distal product(i.e., a product that is behind a lead or proximal-most product) closerto a consumer once the lead product has been removed from the shelf. Ascan be appreciated, such product displays facilitate the arrangement andupkeep of products, as the trailing products do not have to be manuallymoved toward the front of the shelf, for instance.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a merchandising system for adisplaying a plurality of products. The system includes a base and aproximal member. The base includes a product-supporting surface whichdefines a longitudinal axis. The proximal member is disposed inmechanical cooperation with a proximal portion of the base. The proximalmember includes an arcuate portion extending between a first lateralside and a second lateral side of the proximal member. The proximalmember includes a scalloped portion extending from an upper portion ofthe proximal member toward a lower portion of the proximal member.

In disclosed embodiments, the merchandising system further includes apusher assembly disposed in mechanical cooperation with the base. Thepusher assembly is configured to urge products on the base toward theproximal portion of the base.

In disclosed embodiments, the proximal member further includes a cutoutextending therethrough. The cutout is fully enclosed by the remainder ofthe proximal member. Here, it is disclosed that the cutout is betweenabout 30% and about 70% of the size of the entire proximal member. It isfurther disclosed that a height of a center of the cutout, as measuredfrom the product-supporting surface of the base is between about 0.5inches and about 3.5 inches.

In disclosed embodiments, the arcuate portion of the proximal memberdefines a radius of curvature of between about 2 inches and about 4inches.

In disclosed embodiments, a height of a bottom of the scalloped portionas measured from the product-supporting surface of the base is betweenabout 1.5 inches and about 6 inches.

In disclosed embodiments, the merchandising system further includes aplurality of products positioned on the base. Each product has a heightof between about 3 inches and about 9 inches, and wherein each producthas a center of gravity of between about 1.5 inches and about 5 inches.Here, it is disclosed that the center of gravity of the product is lowerthan a midpoint of the height of the product.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of stocking amerchandising system. The method comprises providing a merchandisingsystem including a base and a proximal member disposed in mechanicalcooperation with a proximal portion of the base. The proximal memberincludes an arcuate portion extending between a first lateral side and asecond lateral side of the proximal member, a scalloped portionextending from an upper portion of the proximal member toward a lowerportion of the proximal member, and a cutout extending through theproximal member. The method also includes positioning a first product incontact with the proximal member, contacting the first product throughthe cutout in the proximal member, pushing the first product distallyalong a portion of the base, and inserting a second product proximallyof the first product.

In disclosed embodiments, the method further comprises urging theproducts on the base toward the proximal portion of the base with apusher assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow withreference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandising system for displayingitems on a shelf according to embodiments of the present disclosure, themerchandising system is illustrated including three guide assemblieswith each guide assembly including one product thereon;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the merchandising system of FIG. 1including a plurality of products on each guide assembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the merchandising system of FIGS. 1 and2 illustrated with no products thereon;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the merchandising system of the presentdisclosure including three guide assemblies;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a single guide assembly of themerchandising system of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view with parts separated of the merchandisingsystem of the present disclosure including three guide assemblies;

FIG. 7 is a side view of one guide assembly of the merchandising systemof the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a rear, perspective view of one guide assembly of themerchandising system of the present disclosure, wherein one lateralguide is omitted for clarity;

FIGS. 9-11 are various views of a proximal member of a guide assembly ofthe merchandising system of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12-14 are various views of a pusher member of a guide assembly ofthe merchandising system of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 15 is a rear-looking cut-away view of a guide assembly of themerchandising system of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed merchandising system aredescribed in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like numeralsdesignate identical or corresponding elements in each of the severalviews. As is common in the art, the term “proximal” refers to that partor component closer to the user, e.g., customer, while the term “distal”refers to that part or component farther away from the user.

Generally, with particular reference to FIGS. 1-3, a merchandisingsystem 10 is disclosed that includes a plurality of guide assemblies100. In the illustrated embodiments, each guide assembly 100 includes abase 200, a pusher assembly 300, two lateral guides 400 (or sharedlateral guides 400 with an adjacent guide assembly 100), and a proximalmember 500. While the illustrated embodiments show each guide assembly100 configured for merchandising one row of products “P,” it isenvisioned and within the scope of the present disclosure that eachguide assembly 100 is configured for merchandising more than one row ofproducts.

One merchandising system 10 includes a plurality guide assemblies 100.In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and 6, merchandising system10 includes three guide assemblies 100. In disclosed embodiments,merchandising system 10 includes any number of guide assemblies 100. Ascan be appreciated, several merchandising systems 10 are able to bepositioned adjacent one another on a shelf.

The base 200, which is designed to be placed on a horizontal or inclinedstore shelf (or to be secured to a gondola), is configured to support aplurality of products “P” thereon. In the illustrated embodiments, base200 is shown with a particular type of product “P” having packaging thatincludes a pouch (e.g., salad dressing, beverages, soups, condiments,packaged meat, etc.). Generally, the center of gravity of such productsare significantly below the midpoint of the height, thus making theproducts bottom-heavy. For example, it is envisioned that the products“P” illustrated herein have a height “hP” of between about 4 inches andabout 12 inches (e.g., approximately 10 inches), and have a center ofgravity “cgP” of between about 1.5 inches and about 6 inches (e.g.,approximately 3.5 inches) from its bottom surface (see FIG. 2). However,while a certain type of product is shown, merchandising system 10 can beused to support other types of products.

The pusher assembly 300 is configured to urge product(s) “P” on the base200 toward proximal member 500. The lateral guides 400 are disposed inmechanical cooperation with base 200 (e.g., are integrally formedtherewith, connectable thereto, etc.) and help maintain the products “P”on the base 200. A distal wall 201 extends upward from base 200 and isalso configured to help maintain the products “P” on the base 200. Theproximal member 500 is disposed in mechanical cooperation (e.g., via asnap-fit connection) with a proximal portion 202 of base 200 and isconfigured to resist the proximal force enacted by pusher assembly 300and to help maintain the products “P” on the base 200.

With reference to FIG. 8, the base 200 includes a product-supportingsurface 210 and a track 250. The product-supporting surface 210 definesa longitudinal axis A-A and is configured to support products thereon.The track 250 extends at least partially along product-supportingsurface 210 and is configured to guide a pusher member 310 of pusherassembly 300.

With reference to FIGS. 6, 8 and 12-14, the pusher assembly 300 includespusher member 310 and a biasing member 360 (e.g., a coiled spring).Pusher assembly 300 is configured to bias products “P” on base 200 in aproximal direction. With particular reference to FIGS. 12-14, pushermember 310 includes a base member 320 and a substantially verticalmember 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical member 330 hasan arcuate shape as viewed from above (e.g., to correspond to thecontour of a distal face of the product “P” positioned thereagainst),but it is envisioned that vertical member 330 includes a planar shape oranother type of shape. In the illustrated embodiment, an upper portion312 of vertical member 330 also includes an arcuate shape, but it isenvisioned that upper portion 312 includes a planar shape or anothertype of shape.

Base member 320 includes rails 322 positioned on each lateral side whichare configured to engage track 250 of base 200 (see FIG. 8). Base member320 also includes a slot 324 which is configured to allow a portion ofbiasing member 360 to pass through and/or be secured to. A proximalportion 362 of biasing member 360 is disposed in mechanical cooperationwith a proximal portion of base 200 and/or with proximal member 500 (seeFIG. 6). Pusher member 310 is configured to longitudinally slide withrespect to the product-supporting surface 210 of the base 200. A coiledportion of biasing member 360 is positioned in mechanical cooperationwith base member 320 and distally of vertical member 330 (see FIG. 8,for example).

Referring now to FIGS. 4-10, further details of proximal member 500 areshown. Proximal member 500 includes a contoured surface 510 (when viewedfrom the top; see FIGS. 4 and 11), and a scalloped portion 520 (whenviewed from the front; see FIGS. 5 and 9). Contoured surface 510 iscurved with respect to an axis B-B (FIG. 11) that is perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis A-A, and extends between a first lateral side 512and a second lateral side 514 of proximal member 500. Contoured surface510 is designed to mimic or substantially mimic the curvature of theproduct “P” that is positioned thereagainst. Additionally, contouredsurface 510 is configured to reduce the possibility of products “P”folding over proximal member 500 as a result of the biasing force actingthereagainst and being provided by pusher assembly 300. It is envisionedthat the radius of curvature of contoured surface 510 is between about 2inches and about 4 inches, and is approximately equal to 2.75 inches.

Scalloped portion 520 extends from an upper portion 522 of proximalmember 500 toward a lower portion 524 of proximal member 500, such thata lower-most portion 526 of scalloped portion 520 is between firstlateral side 512 and second lateral side 514 of proximal member 500 (seeFIGS. 7 and 9). Scalloped portion 520 is configured to increasevisibility of a lead product “P” and to further reduce the possibilityof products “P” folding over proximal member 500. That is, by loweringthe height of an upper edge 502 of proximal member 500, upper edge 502is closer to the center of gravity of product “P,” such that the upperand lighter portion of the product “P” is less likely to become foldedover upper edge 502 of proximal member 500 due to the pressure exertedby pusher assembly 300, for example. It is envisioned that a height ofupper edge 502 (i.e., at lower-most portion 526 of scalloped portion520) is aligned or substantially aligned with the height of the centerof gravity of the product “P.” It is further envisioned that the height“hsp” of the bottom of scalloped portion 520 as measured fromproduct-supporting surface 210 of base 200 is between about 1.5 inchesand about 6 inches, and is approximately equal to 3.5 inches.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, proximal member 500 alsoincludes a cutout 530 extending therethrough. Cutout 530 is configuredto facilitate stocking or re-stocking products “P” onto guide assembly100. That is, a user (e.g., store clerk) is able to force the products“P” on base 200 distally by placing his or her hand or a tool throughcutout 530 and pushing the products “P.” More particularly, due to thenature of the packaging of product “P” (e.g., substantially similar tothe illustrated package), the product “P” may tend to fall over or slumpwhen its upper portion is pushed rearwardly, especially in thecircumstances where pusher assembly 300 (and/or a gravity-fed guideassembly 100) is urging the products “P” proximally. When existingproducts “P” are pushed distally through cutout 530, the product “P”tends to remain upright, thus facilitating placement of other products“P” (i.e., proximally of existing products “P”).

While cutout 530 is illustrated as having a particular size and shape,it is envisioned that cutout 530 is any reasonable size and any regularor irregular shape. For example, it is envisioned that cutout 530 isbetween about 30% and about 70%, e.g., about 50%, of the size of theentire proximal member 500. It is further envisioned that a verticalcenter of cutout 530 is aligned with, substantially aligned with, orbelow the vertical center of gravity of the product “P” designed to bepositioned on base 200. Here, the vertical center of cutout 530 (i.e.,distance from product-supporting surface 210) is between about 2 inchesand about 4 inches, and is approximately equal to 2.75 inches (see FIG.7).

It is further envisioned that at least a portion of proximal member 500is transparent or translucent to allow a consumer to view a portion ofthe proximal-most product “P” on the merchandising system 10therethrough.

The present disclosure also includes a method of displaying items orproducts, and a method of stocking or restocking products using themerchandising system 10 described above. The present disclosure alsoincludes a system including the merchandising system 10 described abovealong with particular products, such as those described above.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thefigures, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art willenvision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claimsappended hereto.

1. A merchandising system for a displaying a plurality of products, thesystem comprising: a base including a product-supporting surface, theproduct-supporting surface of the base defining a longitudinal axis; anda proximal member disposed in mechanical cooperation with a proximalportion of the base, the proximal member including an arcuate portionextending between a first lateral side and a second lateral side ofproximal member, and a scalloped portion extending from an upper portionof the proximal member toward a lower portion of the proximal member. 2.The merchandising system of claim 1, further including a pusherassembly, the pusher assembly including a pusher member disposed inmechanical cooperation with the base and being configured to urgeproducts on the base toward the proximal portion of the base.
 3. Themerchandising system of claim 1, wherein the proximal member furtherincludes a cutout extending therethrough, the cutout being fullyenclosed by the remainder of the proximal member.
 4. The merchandisingsystem of claim 3, wherein the cutout is between about 30% and about 70%of the size of the entire proximal member.
 5. The merchandising systemof claim 3, wherein a height of a center of the cutout as measured fromthe product-supporting surface of the base is between about 0.5 inchesand about 2.5 inches.
 6. The merchandising system of claim 1, whereinthe arcuate portion of the proximal member defines a radius of curvatureof between about 2 inches and about 4 inches.
 7. The merchandisingsystem of claim 1, wherein a height of a bottom of the scalloped portionas measured from the product-supporting surface of the base is betweenabout 1.5 inches and about 6 inches.
 8. The merchandising system ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of products positioned on thebase, wherein each product has a height of between about 3 inches andabout 9 inches, and wherein each product has a center of gravity ofbetween about 1.5 inches and about 5 inches.
 9. The merchandising systemof claim 8, wherein the center of gravity of the product is lower than amidpoint of the height of the product.
 10. A method of stocking amerchandising system, the method comprising: providing a merchandisingsystem including a base and a proximal member disposed in mechanicalcooperation with a proximal portion of the base, the proximal memberincluding an arcuate portion extending between a first lateral side anda second lateral side of the proximal member, a scalloped portionextending from an upper portion of the proximal member toward a lowerportion of the proximal member, and a cutout extending through theproximal member; and positioning a first product in contact with theproximal member; contacting the first product through the cutout in theproximal member; pushing the first product distally along a portion ofthe base; and inserting a second product proximally of the firstproduct.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising urging theproducts on the base toward the proximal portion of the base with apusher assembly.